John the Baptist was not just like any other man.
These days the young men would call him an Alpha male. A strong, assertive, confident, and courageous type of a guy. He lived in the wilderness eating locusts and wild honey and wearing some camel hair garment for a robe.
Unfazed by anyone’s position of authority he spoke truth to power when he confronted Herod about his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife which landed him in prison and eventually his death. No wonder Jesus said that “…among those born of women none is greater than John.” (Lk 7:28a).
Yet, in that dark dungeon of Herod’s prison the greatest and the strongest prophet that every lived is questioning and doubting Jesus’ identity and mission and most likely by extension his own.
Luke tells us that John sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is “…the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” v.19.
What kind of question is this? Wasn’t he the one who introduced Jesus to the crowds with “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”? (John 1:29). Wasn’t he that saw the heavens open and heard the voice of God declaring “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”? (Mark 1:11). Wasn’t he the one who saw the Spirit coming down on Jesus as a dove? (Mark 1:10).
Why would he doubt?
His expectations did not match with God’s plan.
We all have the tendency to reduce God’s plans to our understanding of them. We have our views in regards on how this world or even His Kingdom should be run. We want God to play (if I may) play by our rules.
Sincere doubt is no sin. His doubt and his questions came from a heart that longed for the coming of the Messiah even though he didn’t fully understood God’ plan. Jesus’ answer is simply saying …”Trust Me John! A different kingdom is here now!”